The Brass Blades
The Brass Blades are, in theory, the guardians of Thanalan. In practice, however, they are known for being corrupt and susceptible to being persuaded by coin and acting on the whims of the Syndicate, given that they are where their pay originates from.[1]
History
As Ul'dah began to rise as a mercantile power, the Syndicate began to slowly step in and take more and more power from the Sultanate, they realized they were slowly gaining enemies who were waiting in the shadows to strike. Requiring protection, they began hiring sellswords to fill this role. They were tasked with maintaining peace around the city and answered to the 1st-3rd Main Brigades, although they were considered separate from the Sultansworn or the Immortal Flames. This is to give the illusion that the Brass Blades work for anyone other than the Syndicate, however, they are all too aware of who pays their wages, and more often than not act in the favor of the Syndicate.
Regardless of where their allegiances lie, the Brass Blades train with and take part in exercises with the Immortal Flames, and patrol the city as well as the other towns and outposts of Thanalan.
Duties
As mentioned before, the Brass Blades patrol through the cities and outposts of Thanalan, and are generally charged with keeping the peace. They also help deal with the Beastmen threat coming from the Amalj'aa. They are known to be easily bribed and will often defer to whoever offers the highest price. Due to the shortage of other members of the military, they also guard the Royal Palace.
Traits
Wearing heavy chainmail and using a large broadsword and a shield, the Brass Blades, though sellswords, are trained by the military and are adept fighters. While the majority of people refer to them as the "Monetarists' private army", there are those who are honorable and who want to do right by the people they are charged with protecting, like those guarding Little Ala Mhigo, for example.
Organizational Structure
Brass Blades are broken up into various regiments based on where they are deployed. There is generally no difference between the regements other than what sorts of dangers they will face based on where they are set to defend.
- The Brass Blades of the Rose: Patrols through Western Thanalan, generally around Horizon and Vesper Bay.
- The Brass Blades of the Violet: Patrols in Central Thanalan, especially in the areas around Black Brush Station.
- The Brass Blades of the Orchid: Patrols in Eastern Thanalan, guarding the outpost of Camp Drybone as well as Highbridge.
- The Brass Blades of the Lotus: Patrols around Southern Thanalan. Safeguard Little Ala Mhigo from attacks by the Amalj'aa. They also defend the area around the Forgotten Springs, although the Amalj'aa that live near there are generally peaceful.
- The Brass Blades of the Balsam: The Brass Blades that handle matters inside the walls of Ul'dah proper. As they are the unit closest to the Syndicate, they are often the ones considered the most problematic.
Lore
In the employ of the wealthy Ul'dahns represented by the Syndicate, the Brass Blades are sellswords charged with maintaining peace and order within the sultanate. Though they ostensibly fall under the auspices of the Divan, in truth they are only too aware of who pays their wages. Thus, they are known to act according to the wishes of the rich, and few would object to calling them the Monetarists' private army. As sellswords' loyalty may be bought, cases of bribery have grown so numerous as to earn the scorn of honest citizens. However, not all of the Brass Blades are without scruples, and a small number are apparently honorable and earnest in the line of duty.[1]
Organizational Structure
- Brass Blades of the Rose: Western Thanalan
- Brass Blades of the Violet: Central Thanalan
- Brass Blades of the Orchid: Eastern Thanalan Brass
- Blades of the Lotus: Southern Thanalan Brass Blades of the Balsam: Ul'dah Proper